Nevada County Amateur Radio Services operators assist in fire emergencies

Nevada County amateur radio operator Jason Eaton, seated, partnered with Pete Santiago, left, Tess Santiago and Judy Arbuckle, all of the Red Cross to assist area fire evacuees.

Representing Nevada County Amateur Radio Services and with the approval of the county Office of Emergency Services, Jason Eaton (KJ6HNP) and Cal McKitrick (AI6MC) responded to the Red Cross request for assistance at the First Baptist Church shelter set up to assist area fire evacuees.

The amateur radio operators assignment was from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., handling any requests for health and welfare or other necessary message requests deemed necessary by the shelter managers. By morning, the number of shelter occupants was minimal. Evacuees started returning home as electricity was restored in areas cleared from evacuation status.